Search
Close this search box.

Animal Care

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Health and Welfare)

Gain job ready skills with Perth's only nationally recognised Animal Health and Welfare focused course

Have you ever dreamed of working with animals? Are you looking for an introduction to the animal care and animal welfare industry or a job seeker looking to improve your opportunities? Are you a volunteer and want to offer more help and assistance to an animal welfare or rescue centre, animal adoption, cattery or kennel facility? 

AVT’s ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Health and Welfare) course is a great place to get started if you’re looking to enter the animal care industry or meet the prerequisite for our Veterinary Nursing qualification. 

This 14-week course includes weekly training at the Cat Haven in Shenton Park and at the Greyhounds as Pets (GAP) in Southern River. It is one of the quickest ways to gain a Nationally Recognised Animal Care Qualification and obtain valuable experience in a local animal shelter and kennel facilities.

Government Funded Subsidised Discount fees for Animal Care and Vet Nursing

Are you unemployed or working less than 20 hours per week?

You maybe eligible for a funded Jobs and Skills WA position. Read More >>

Course snapshot


Duration:
14 weeks

Next intake: January 2025

Application status: Register Now

Attendance: 2 days per week 

  • Practical training: 1 day per week at Cat Haven or GAP (Thursday or Friday)
  • Classroom training day: 1 day per week at our Animal Care Facility in Ascot (Wednesday)

Fees: Subsidised fees start from just $668.20*

Prerequisite: No prior qualifications are required

Best suited to: Students and Job Seekers who wish to start a career in the animal care industry or those who wish to go on to further studies such as Vet Nursing. This course meets the prerequisite for the national qualification

Government Funding and subsidised Vet Nursing course
Play Video

Course outline

Our Animal Health and Welfare course is delivered via blended learning incorporating online eLearning, on-campus and on-site training. Your assessments will be completed face-to-face as well as online. 

You will participate in the following: 

  • A full day induction at AVT’s Ascot campus at the commencement of the course.
  • 1 day per week at the Cat Haven located in Shenton Park, WA OR at Greyhounds as Pets (GAP) located in Southern River, WA. You will spend time at each facility during the course.
  • 1 day per week at AVT’s Ascot Campus to receive intensive small group practical training and undertake assessments.
  • Home-based online eLearning to complete and submit assessments.

We will endeavour to meet your preference for practical training / on-site training days, but this can not always be guaranteed. Attendance at all practical training days both on-campus and at Cat Haven and GAP is compulsory.

Students must:

  • Complete a pre-training review, including a language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) assessment. More info about the LLN >>
  • Be available to participate in ALL training days (2 days per week)
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Be physically capable of restraining animals, handling animal feed e.g. large bags of food of up to 10kg and standing for extended periods of time
  • Have a reliable internet connection and access to a desktop computer or laptop. You will be required to write, submit and in some cases upload assessments and various types of multi-media files online in your own time, therefore we strongly recommend using a desktop or laptop computer for your studies

You will be undertaking activities with cats. If you are pregnant or thinking about falling pregnant throughout the course, we suggest speaking with your doctor or medical professional before enrolment. If you would like to discuss your individual situation with us further, please feel free to get in touch with our student support team. 

This course is highly competitive and has limited places. Therefore, successful students are selected based on prior work experience, education, individual attitude and aptitude. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by an AVT team member.

Credit transfers

Students with eligible credit transfers may apply, however due to the course delivery format, 100% attendance is required for orientation/induction and practical placement days and therefore full course fees will apply. Credit transfer fees do not apply for Jobs and Skills WA funded students. 

For our Animal Health and Welfare Course you will be required to wear:

  • An AVT shirt (supplied by AVT)
  • Enclosed protective footwear (comfortable walking shoes that are waterproof are recommended – supplied by student)
  • Neatly presented, long comfortable work pants suitable for bending and manual work (supplied by student).

“Presentation is key to success”

Essential Requirements
Throughout this course, you will need to:

  • Collaborate in group settings using both verbal and non-verbal communication.
  • Effectively communicate with your peers and Trainer and Assessor.
  • Follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
  • Engage in group activities and practical assessments alongside your peers.
  • Complete workplace documentation using industry-specific language.
  • Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including enclosed shoes, gloves and sun protection.
  • Work within an animal care facility, handling and caring for various species. This environment by its nature will expose you to potential allergens.
  • Adhere to hygiene protocols to ensure animal health, which may involve contact with animal waste such as uneaten food, urine, faeces, soiled bedding and enrichment items.

Environmental Requirements
In this course, you will:

  • Attend theory classes with a maximum of 24 students.
  • Attend practical classes with a maximum of 7 students.
  • Work outdoors, exposed to various weather conditions.
  • Encounter a noisy environment including barking dogs.
  • Work alongside volunteers and encounter the general public.
  • Be physically capable of lifting equipment, and standing or walking for extended periods.

Assessment Types
You will be assessed on your skills and knowledge in various ways, including:

  • Written answers, online assessments and tests, multiple choice questions, presentations, verbal questioning and practical tasks visually assessed by Trainer and Assessors.

What will you learn?

During our Animal Health and Welfare course, you’ll become familiar with the fundamental principles of working in the animal care industry. In addition to the topics covered in the Certificate II in Animal Care course, you will be introduced to:

  • The principles of working and volunteering in the animal care industry.
  • Understanding body language in animals and encouraging natural animal behaviours.
  • Low stress handling and minimising stress in the rescue or animal care environment.
  • Enrichment in an animal care environment including mental stimulation, exercise and feed planning and socialisation.
  • Increasing an animal’s potential for rehoming.
  • Animal health and well-being including first aid for animals, animal care hygiene routines to minimise spread of disease and more.

All of the skills and knowledge you will learn in this animal care and animal welfare course can be applied in an animal adoption, shelter or rescue based organisation or across a broad range of animal care facilities in commercial organisations. For more information on careers working with animals read our article Top 6 Animal Care Careers.

Course in animal welfare and care

Course outcomes

On successful completion, students will receive the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (previously ACM20117 Certificate II in Animal Studies). Students will also meet the pre-requisite for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, the nationally recognised course for a fully qualified veterinary nurse. Our graduates can choose to go on to a wide range of roles across the animal care industry. 

Job outcomes

Students who have completed the Certificate II in Animal Care go on to careers as a:

  • Animal care attendant
  • Animal welfare shelter attendant
  • Kennel hand
  • Cattery attendant
  • Pet shop attendant
  • Assistant dog groomer
  • Stable hand
  • Vet assistant

Career opportunities

Graduates from this course work in a range of animal care organisations such as:

  • Welfare organisations and shelters
  • Adoption and rehoming services
  • Dog kennels, catteries and boarding facilities
  • Pet shops and retail businesses
  • Groomers
  • Dog daycare centres
  • Dog training services
  • At home services including self-employment in dog walking and pet sitting

Course content

All students must complete the following core units:

  • ACMWHS201 Participate in workplace health & safety processes
  • ACMGEN202 Complete animal care hygiene routines
  • BSBCMM211 Apply communication skills
  • ACMGEN203 Feed & water animals
  • ACMGEN204 Assist in healthcare of animals
  • ACMSUS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
  • ACMGEN201 Work in the animal care industry

Students will also be required to study:

  • ACMINF201 Handle companion animals safely and follow infection control guidelines
  • ACMSPE317 Provide general care of domestic cats
  • ACMGEN205 Source and provide information for animal care needs
  • ACMGEN102 Approach and handle a range of calm animals
  • ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid

Why choose this course?

  • Unique Workplace Learning

    No stress - Your work placement is organised! Plus, you will work alongside amazing industry professionals both at GAP WA and the Cat Haven.

  • Supportive Learning

    Our Trainers and Assessors are onsite to supervise and help you plus you have access to live chat and support with our team when you need it.

  • Opens the Door to New Opportunities

    Kickstart your career in a variety of positions such as an animal attendant in a kennel, a retail associate in a pet shop, an assistant at a pet grooming salon or an animal carer in a welfare organisation.

  • Government Subsidised

    Eligible students have access to significantly reduced fees on an all inclusive payment plan to help you manage your finances*.

  • Nationally Recognised Qualification

    This employer recognised qualification will help your job application stand out from the rest when applying for competitive roles.

  • Streamlined with Intensive Learning

    In just 14 weeks, you will develop foundational skills including understanding body language in animals, encouraging natural behaviours and practicing low-stress handling techniques and much more.

Prerequisite for Veterinary Nursing

Successful graduates will meet the compulsory entry requirement for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Due to high demand, AVT selection criteria applies.

Nationally recognised animal care course in Australia NRT

What students are saying about this course

Fees & inclusions

Your course fees will depend on your eligibility for a Jobs and Skills WA based funded position and your concession status. Please see detailed fees and funding information here. All fees are payable via our monthly payment plan. 

  • Funded concession: $668.20*
  • Funded non-concession: $2,015.15*
  • Full fee: $3,900*

Our fees include:

  • Dedicated Student Support
  • One-on-one mentoring by AVT Trainers 
  • Membership to a Private Facebook Group for your class
  • Access to the AVT interactive online eLearning Centre
  • Assessments and Certification
  • Practical training insurance
  • Work Placement Kit: Uniform, name badge and workbook

If you would like more information about our fees, the initial deposit and payment plan, including options, please contact our friendly Student Support Team OR Request a Call

*Funded places are subject to eligibility and availability. The Student tuition fees are indicative only and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Additional fees may apply such as resource fees and other fees. Full fees apply for participants who do not meet the Jobs and Skills WA Participation – Work Readiness program eligibility criteria.

If you decide to withdraw from study for any reason, refunds are not issued unless you are a Jobs and Skills WA funded student. Please see our policies page for full details.

Register interest

Course Dates
Jan 2025 Intake
28 Jan 2025 - 1 May 2025

This course has limited places. We recommend submitting your application, as early as possible.  AVT reserves the right to cancel or make changes to the location and training days for this course (See cancellation policy). For full details of the application process please visit this link.

FAQs

International – FAQ

In some cases, registered training organisations (RTOs) may enrol non-resident students who are temporarily visiting or reside in Australia on certain visas, other than study visas. However, some visas include restrictions on training. Most visas and sub-class visas clearly outline what your study rights are in Australia. It is the responsibility of the individual to check their study and work rights according to their individual visa. Further information is also available from the Department of Home Affairs.

Visa information for Jobs & Skills WA Funding Jobs and Skills WA funded programs

Students wishing to be considered for funded places in the ACM40418 Certificate  IV in Veterinary Nursing should visit this page for more detailed information about eligibility

Students wishing to be considered for funded places in the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Health & Welfare) course should visit this page for detailed information about eligibility.

Students wishing to be considered for funding places in the ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (RSPCA) course should visit this page for detailed information about eligibility.

    Related FAQ’s:

     

    In some cases, a registered training organisation (RTO) may enrol students who are temporarily visiting or reside in Australia on certain visas, other than study visas. However, some visas include restrictions on training. Most visas and sub-class visas clearly outline what your study rights are in Australia. It is the responsibility of the individual to check their study and work rights according to their individual visa* . Further information is also available from the Department of Home Affairs.

    *Any course undertaken by a student visa holder must be registered on CRICOS and training must be provided by a CRICOS registered provider (The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). Applied Vocational Training is not a registered CRICOS provider and as such we are unable to accept applications from individuals wishing to study on a student visa.

    Related FAQ’s:

    I live overseas, can I still study your courses online?

    I am a non-resident visa holder, can I study with AVT?

    Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?

    I currently live overseas, can I apply for your on-campus full-time course? Will I need an international student visa?

    Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?

     

    Tags: international, overseas, visa, CRICOS

    This answer specifically addresses students who wish to study in Australia on a Student Visa.

    Unfortunately, we cannot assist individuals studying as international students as we do not hold the required CRICOS (The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) registration.

    The following link outlines the main steps to study in Australia homeaffairs.gov.au. This will require applying for a student visa under the Vocational Education and Training Sector. However, you will need to have been accepted into a full-time study course by a CRICOS approved provider and then apply for a student visa. These normally take approximately 46 days to process.

    You may find CRICOS registered training institutions in Australia that can offer qualifications to international students. Some TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions hold CRICOS registration and offer Animal Studies and Veterinary Nursing courses.

    Related FAQ’s:

    Can an RTO enrol an overseas visitor into a course and not be CRICOS registered?

    I live overseas, can I still study your courses online?

    Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?

    I currently live overseas, can I apply for your on-campus full-time course? Will I need an international student visa?

    I am a non-resident visa holder, can I study with AVT?

    Tags: international, overseas, visa, CRICOS

    This answer specifically addresses international students who wish to study in Australia on a Student Visa.

    Unfortunately, we are unable to assist individuals with studying as an international student in Australia as we do not have the necessary registration with our government to enrol students in Australia on a Student Visa. The required registration for this is CRICOS ‘The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students’.

    To find out more about studying in Australia we recommend visiting the Australian Government website: homeaffairs.gov.au. This will require applying for a student visa under the Vocational Education and Training Sector. However, you will need to have been accepted into a full-time study course by a CRICOS approved provider and then apply for the student visa. These normally take approximately 46 days to process.

    You may find CRICOS registered training institutions in Australia who can offer qualifications to international students. Some TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions hold CRICOS registration and offer courses in Animal Studies and Veterinary Nursing

    Related FAQ’s:

    Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?

    Can an RTO enrol an overseas visitor into a course and not be CRICOS registered?

    I wish to study in Australia on a student visa. Can I study with Applied Vocational Training?

    I live overseas, can I still study your courses online?

    I am a non-resident visa holder, can I study with AVT?

     

    Tags: international, overseas, visa, CRICOS

    Why choose AVT?

    Dedicated Animal Care College

    AVT has been delivering Vet Nursing and Animal Care related courses for over 25 years. It's safe to say there are no plumbing or hairdressing courses here!

    Prerequisite course for veterinary nursing

    Outstanding Track Record

    A recent NCVER VET student outcomes report found 93% of AVT graduates were employed or enrolled in further study after training and 95% of graduates would recommend the training provided by AVT.

    Prerequisite course for veterinary nursing

    Safe and Supported Learning

    Our qualified teaching team have many years of experience as well as extensive backgrounds in the veterinary and animal care industry. They're approachable and dedicated to helping students succeed.

    Download Course Info Flyer

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    Search